The risks of osteoporosis apply to elderly women and men who have:

(for women) early menopause before age 45, whether natural or after surgery

an immediate family member who has osteoporosis

underweight or undernourished status

frailties due to long-term illness

smoking habit

heavy drinking habit

lack of exercise or long term incapacitation

a diet lacking enough calcium or vitamin D

certain illnesses (eg, rheumatoid arthritis)

certain medications (eg, thyroid medication)

Urgent attention to osteoporosis is suggested for those who are already experiencing.

Fractures, especially if one or more occur in the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis, or upper arm

Reduced height which may be caused by spinal compression fractures

Hunching of the back which may occur when the upper back bones are fractured

Low back pain as a result of spinal problem

Towards Better Bone Health

OSTEO (BONE) + POROSIS (POROUS) =

POROUS OR BRITTLE BONES

Every year, millions of women and men experience bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis – a condition that weakens the bones, and makes them prone to fractures that can have a devastating effect on daily life. However, osteoporosis does not have to a fact of life. This page tells you when and why it forms, how it can be detected, how many people it affects, what its complications are, and what can be done to treat or prevent osteoporosis. Understanding, detecting, and preventing the effects of osteoporosis can greatly improve an osteoporotic individual’s risk profile, physical independence, and quality of life.